Port Everglades to Key West to Punta Gorda

[rbaker0126]

Apologies in advance if this is repetitive topic; our sailboat, that draws 5'9", mast height of 65' is being offloaded from shipping to Port Everglades end of July/early August - any tips on passing south around Key West and up to Punta Gorda?

In or out of Hawk Channel?
If outside, distance out before bumping into the Gulf Stream?
Recommended protected/deep enough anchorages when heading south?

Thanks in advance!
Bob

[Wolfe10]

Bob,


If you are just trying to get around the Keys and up to Punta Gorda, inquire about taking Channel 5 (just south of Lower Matecumbe) then Yacht Channel into the Gulf to save a lot of miles. Bridge is fixed 65'. Suspect someone can look at the clearance boards for you.

[capn_billl]

I just did this trip twice in the last few months.

Hawkes channel is the easiest, You can go either closer to shore, and be in 8' to 12' most of the time, or further out, (dodging slightly more obstacles), and be in 12' or more most of the time.

Watch the current in the NW channel around Key West.

There are numerous anchorages, some good, some bad.

I decided not to risk the bridge because I have a 68' mast.

Also watch for the electric line behind the bridge, it can sag in hot weather.

[carlosproa]

That kind of draft and mast I would stick to the outside.
Port Everglades to Miami should be fine as you have lots of room from the Gulf Stream, in fact the whole trip should be fine.
The finicky part is to punta gorda. I never like some of the tide currents therw

[Messing About]

I can’t help plot your course but I lived in Port Charlotte and boated/fished that region for 9 years. Love, love, love Punta Gorda. Hopefully I’m a year or less away from retiring, buying my Island Packet and getting back on the waters of Southwest Florida.
Once I’m there and comfortable in my transition from MV to SV, I will spend time in the Keys as well.

Best of luck, fair winds and smooth seas to you.

[sowwaninii]

Have done this trip multiple times on my Sabre 456 with 67’ mast with instruments. As others have said, Hawk Channel is the best choice. The bridge is a no go. Although listed at 65’, it is somewhat less than this. Years ago there was a service that would heel boats with water barrel ballast to clear the bridge. No longer available. Anchorages along the way include Rodriquez Key (beware of partially submerged boat on northwest side), Marathon (if weather decent and favorable wind, anchor outside channel entrance), and of course Key West. If there is a decent moon so you can spot the crab pots, can be done at night.

[mindsofman]

Yep,Hawk Channel
Forget Channel 5.
Lots of anchorages BUT careful where you anchor,Coasties,
And HUGE Spot light on the Bow,,,Why ? Run between the
Keys and Naples at night,,you'll find out why..

[wesevans]

If worried about air draft wait for low tide at bridge on channel 5 and do that

during daylight. big problem is the crab traps or lobster pots.

[rbaker0126]

Thanks all - appreciate the input - Hawks Chanel it is - thinking Rodriguez Key and Key West for a stop over, then on to PG.

Any recommendation for a good anchorage coming out of/south of Port Everglades if we offload later in the day to put the boat back together and prep for the sail south? Something that we could tender in for supplies, etc?

[rbaker0126]

May be a stupid question, but is there a depth where crab traps/pots are less frequent? I’ve made the trek from Naples to KW in a powerboat and seemed they were everywhere…

[capn_billl]

No, sorry. Depending on the time of year they are literally everywhere.

I can make from Big Pine key to Content Key so skip Key West.

A shorter trip is Stock Island to Jewfish Key.

[mindsofman]

Good thinking 99,,,

[Wolfe10]

Originally Posted by wesevans

If worried about air draft wait for low tide at bridge on channel 5 and do that

during daylight. big problem is the crab traps or lobster pots.

And, if doing Hawk Channel, it is only a little out of your way to go up to the 65' bridge and check clearance. BIG difference in miles vs Key West.

[jkishel]

Originally Posted by rbaker0126

Apologies in advance if this is repetitive topic; our sailboat, that draws 5'9", mast height of 65' is being offloaded from shipping to Port Everglades end of July/early August - any tips on passing south around Key West and up to Punta Gorda?

In or out of Hawk Channel?
If outside, distance out before bumping into the Gulf Stream?
Recommended protected/deep enough anchorages when heading south?

Thanks in advance!
Bob

Recommend Hawk's Channel going south from Miami. Gulf Stream moves around and can get pretty close to the reef. Outside is a 200 NM trip, so at least one overnight to Key West on the outside.

Hawk's Channel Route: Ft. Everglades to No Name 35 NM (Southwest tip of Key Biscayne) anchor outside the little harbor off Key Biscayne.

No Name to Rodriguez Key 40NM, you can usually make something work on one side of Rodriguez or the other depending on wind direction, not the best holding in a blow but not a lot of options available.

Rodriguez to Marathon 45NM, anchor west of Boot Key (can be rough depending on wind direction) or go inside and pick up a mooring at the city mooring field, there should be availability this time of year. There is also a marina just inside.

Marathon to Key West 45NM. Several places to anchor off Garrison Bight, Wisteria, etc., none are great in a blow, holding is poor, or the City mooring field east of Fleming Island. Another option is Stock Island Marina just before you get to Key West.

Options include Channel 5 and Moser Channel. Channel 5 Bridge at Long Key has an advertised clearance of 65 ft at high tide, so you might be able to sneak under. However, the yacht channel will be an adventure with a 5'9" draft, is poorly marked and is best transited (the first time) by someone with local knowledge.

Moser Channel at Marathon similarly has a 65 ft. bridge. But if you get through that you will save some time and distance up to Cape Sable.

[stevec195]

Originally Posted by rbaker0126

May be a stupid question, but is there a depth where crab traps/pots are less frequent? I’ve made the trek from Naples to KW in a powerboat and seemed they were everywhere…

Pretty much not safe till 10fathoms. Stone crab season ends May 2nd which cuts down on most of them.